Earlier this month, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo was granted Italian citizenship and was primed to participate in EuroBasket later this summer after being listed on the preliminary roster. This came after DiVincenzo was trying to earn Italian citizenship for years. However, recently it was announced that DiVincenzo won’t be playing for Team Italy in EuroBasket after all. 30-year-old guard and fellow American-born player Darius Thompson is set to replace DiVincenzo.
In a press conference, it was announced that DiVincenzo won’t participate due to a recurring toe injury. DiVincenzo did mention that he is excited to play for Team Italy in the 2028 Olympics.
Given what specialists are saying about this injury, it's wise for DiVincenzo not to play in EuroBasket. It's unclear if DiVincenzo will be ready for the start of the season. Italian basketball representative Gigi Datome's comments indicated that this injury could take months. However, the Wolves believe that he'll be good to go before the start of the season. This past season, DiVincenzo appeared in 62 of 82 games. 19 of DiVincenzo’s missed games were due to a left great toe injury.
After missing a month of play, DiVincenzo remained healthy for the rest of the regular season and playoffs. Toe injuries can be tricky and clearly can recur. Notably, this offseason, we saw Darius Garland get toe surgery. Hopefully, after sitting out of EuroBasket, DiVincenzo will be fully healthy for the start of the NBA season.
DiVincenzo is a key part of the Wolves' success
DiVincenzo is coming off a season in which he posted averages of 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 42.2/39.7/77.8 shooting splits. Entering his second season with the Wolves, DiVincenzo is poised to play a key role once again, especially with Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving in free agency. DiVincenzo’s 3-point shooting and secondary creation abilities are vital to the Wolves' success.
Alongside Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Rob Dillingham, DiVincenzo makes up a high-powered bench unit. Every contending team needs star power, and Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle give the Wolves just that. However, a well-rounded supporting cast is just as important, and DiVincenzo is key to the Wolves' supporting cast. Notably, DiVincenzo was the sticking point for the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
The hope is that DiVincenzo makes a full recovery and is ready for the start of the season. As the Wolves attempt to compete for a title, DiVincenzo will remain a crucial part of their success.